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| Honfleur - the loveliest of port cities with the old buildings in the foreground |
I admit that I can’t and never will be able to read Chuck’s mind. Why he wants to come to Honfleur, this very popular tourist attraction in France, I can’t say. I know why I want to be here.
Honfleur is one of those unique places where you feel you’ve stepped back in time. Yes, the shops are modern. You can see cars, etc. That’s not what I mean. In Honfleur, the essence of the place hasn’t changed. The place that Monet came to paint over a hundred years ago is still here, waiting to be captured by the eye or the brush.
Located near the Seine River, in northwestern France, Honfleur is the lovliest of port towns with a rich historic importance. What attracts me is the role the town played in the arts. Honfleur has been called the birthplace of Impressionism. Monet came to this enchanted place to paint, and by doing so, he started the movement--encouraging artists to get out of their studios and into the light.
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| Why this city is called the birthplace of Impressionism |
As Chuck and I stand near the port, we are struck by the world we see: the lovely old brown buildings which contrast with the brightly painted timber framed architecture that is also so prevalent in this town . . . the ancient carousel . . . the bright red and yellow cloth awnings on the buildings . . . the gray wood of the stairways . . . the glistening blue water in the port . . . the white skinny boats . . . the cobblestone streets and walkways . . . the plaid blankets . . . the blue skies with the white clouds . . . the Church of St. Catherine built with a roof that looks like a boat.
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| An ancient - turn of the century carousel |
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| Timber frame house |
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| Historic hotel |
This town, thankfully was never bombed during World War II.
A typical lunch is a crepe and a glass of cider, either dry or sweet. After all, this is Calvados country, that lovely liquor made from French apples.
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| Where Chuck and I had our lunch |
Tourists take in the sights. They shop. They eat. Chuck relaxes beside me as I enjoy my crepe. The sun is out full force. It bounces off the water.
Suddenly, I know why Chuck wanted to come to Honfleur. He wanted some time to relax and dream. I have this plaid blanket that he’d laying on, all comfy. Eyes are closed. No one is bothering with him. Everyone must assume he’s a French cat.
Monsieur Charles de Honfleur dreams of sailing on a skinny French boat with a lovely French cat while eating caviar and French fries.
Oh yeah.
